181 soldiers are due home after Iraq duty

181 soldiers are duehome after Iraq duty
Some 181 soldiers from the 99th Regional Readiness Command's 475th Quartermaster Companies, about 75 in Meadville and about 106 in Beaver Falls, Pa., are scheduled to arrive home Monday after serving in Iraq in support of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
The soldiers are returning to Army Reserve status after being demobilized at Fort Dix, N.J., according to the 99th's public affairs office.
In January 2003, members of the 475th reported to Fort Dix, where the unit received specialized training on their mission, which is to receive, store and transfer bulk petroleum and establish and operate temporary petroleum storage facilities.
Reservists returning
VIENNA -- Twenty Air Force Reservists from the 910th Airlift Wing's Operations Group were scheduled to return at 4 p.m. today after a 60-day deployment to an air base in Kuwait used in support of the war against terrorism.
Sharon man chargedwith aggravated assault
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- David Luke Rakoci, 26, of Oakland Avenue, Sharon, is charged with aggravated assault and driving under the influence of alcohol. Neshannock Township police said Rakoci tried to spit on a bartender at the Crane Room Bar and Grille on Wilmington Road and used obscene language before leaving the bar at 1:54 a.m. Friday. Police said bar employees followed him outside and asked for his car keys. He became irate and said, "I'll run over all of you" before jumping in his car and running over a 38-year-old female employee and missing two others, according to police. The woman's leg was broken and she was taken to a Pittsburgh hospital for treatment, police said. Police said Rakoci ran off and was caught later by officers. He was also charged with three counts of recklessly endangering another person, disorderly conduct and reckless driving. Rakoci remained in jail Friday afternoon after failing to post $25,000 bond.
Police take measuresto conserve gasoline
STRUTHERS -- In an effort to control expenses, city police officers are implementing a plan to conserve gasoline. Under orders from Robert M. Norris, chief of police, no more than four cruisers are to be used for patrol during each shift.
In a memo to officers, Norris instructed officers to park the cruisers and turn off the engines for an average of 15 minutes per hour, stop and visit local establishments, turn off engines while investigating complaints and avoid allowing cruisers to idle unnecessarily.
These activities do not involve coming into the station, Norris stressed. He also asked officers for suggestions on other ways the department could reduce gasoline consumption.
Trees to be planted
SALEM -- Davey Tree Expert Co. will be planting trees in the curb lawns throughout the city starting Monday. Dave Navoyosky, chairman of the shade tree commission, cautions motorists to watch for the digging machines and other equipment. The project is funded by the Salem Community Foundation and administered by the Salem Shade Tree Commission. Any resident who would like a free curb lawn tree for the next project can request it by calling the mayor's office.
West Nile virus foundin Scioto County man
The Ohio Department of Health announced Friday the year's first probable case of West Nile virus, a mosquito-transmitted disease, diagnosed in a 79-year-old man in Scioto County. Human WNV cases typically do not appear until late summer in Ohio, said ODH Director Dr. J. Nick Baird. The ODH is trying to determine where the patient was exposed to the virus.
In 2003, Ohio reported 108 probable and confirmed human cases of WNV and eight WNV-related deaths. Last year, the first case was reported July 18. In 2002, Ohio reported 441 human cases and 31 deaths.
Dr. Baird said the early case serves as a reminder of the importance of taking personal protection measures and working to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
See 'Easter Parade'
COLUMBIANA -- A free showing of the 1948 film classic "Easter Parade," starring Fred Astaire and Judy Garland, will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Columbiana Public Library's Salchow Room. There will be free refreshments and door prizes. The library is at 332 N. Middle St.